Fareham Leisure Centre unveils plan for new expanded soft play centre - and laser tag in place of climbing wall

A leisure centre is getting rid of its climbing wall - but replacing it with an expanded soft play centre and a laser tag centre.

Fareham Leisure Cente only introduced the climbing wall in the autumn of 2021, as part of the centre’s £6.33m refurbishment, which saw the gym expanded and the squash courts removed. Now, less than five years later, it has been decided to remove the Top Rock climbing wall and remodel the centre again.

Everyone Active, which runs the centre for Fareham Borough Council, will spend £200,000 on the project.

Everyone Active has said that the new soft play will include:

• A multi-level adventure play structure
• A range of obstacle-style elements including rollers, bash bags, climbing frames and rope bridges
• A 3.6m drop slide alongside a relocated spiral slide
• Interactive play features such as a mirror maze and musical play panels
• Suspended and balance challenges including floating trails and cargo bridges
• A dedicated under threes’ area with a twin-lane slide, ball pool and age-appropriate play equipment
• Sensory play elements including light and sound panels, fibre optics and interactive floor features
• Interactive trampolines offering an additional active play experience

Work will begin in early June, and it should be ready by the summer holiday.

Ryan Grant, contract manager at Everyone Active, said: “We’re delighted to be investing in a new soft play facility at Fareham Leisure Centre, which will be a fantastic addition for families.

“The new space has been designed to encourage active, imaginative play, while providing an inclusive environment for children of all ages. We look forward to welcoming families to enjoy the new facility later this year.”

Executive member for leisure and community at Fareham Borough Council, Councillor Connie Hockley, added: “The soft play facilities at Fareham Leisure Centre are incredibly popular with families with young children from all over the Borough. This additional investment will make them second to none in the area and even more inclusive for a wider range of age groups. I cannot wait to see the results.”